Opening of 5th World Parks Congress "Benefits Beyond Boundaries" ;The 5th World Parks Congress was to have been held in 2002 but was postponed on request by the South African Government because South Africa was hosting the World Summit on Sustainable Development. Mandela, and Her Majesty, Queen Noor of Jordan were both Patrons of the Congress.

Receives Planet and Humanity Award for Planet and Humanity Award for outstanding contribution to peace and human progress at the International Geographical Union (IGU) Regional Congress and General Assembly